Sydney Turf Club

Local racing fans and shoppers will have the chance to see the Melbourne Cup as it makes its only Sydney shopping centre appearance at the Myer store in Westfield Parramatta on Wednesday 24 October.

The Melbourne Cup Trophy will be displayed on Level 2 of Myer from 12.00pm to 1.30pm as part of the Sydney leg of the month-long Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour through New Zealand and Australia.

The event will be a rare chance to see the world famous 18ct gold trophy and meet Cup-winning jockey Greg Hall who rode Subzero to victory in 1992.

James Steeth first designed the stunning trophy, worth $80,000, in preparation for the 1919 Melbourne Cup. He was commissioned by Victoria Racing Club to design the trophy, which is made of 34 pieces of gold metal hand beaten over 200 hours.

Sydney Turf Club Chief Executive, Michael Kenny, said he was thrilled that Sydneysiders have the chance to see the iconic trophy at Parramatta, which is a prelude to Melbourne Cup Day celebrations at nearby Rosehill Gardens.

“Despite the recent situation with Equine Influenza preventing racing in New South Wales, the Melbourne Cup will still be a day where people get together with their friends and family to celebrate the big race.

“Sydney Turf Club will be hosting a fantastic day of celebration at Rosehill Gardens so members and patrons can sense the unique vibe of being at a racecourse for Melbourne Cup Day.”

The atmosphere will be electric with live bands, roving entertainers and a fashion search for the 10 best-dressed guys and girls.

Giant screens and over 700 televisions will beam the interstate action; restaurants and bars will be fully operational and betting facilities including TAB and bookmakers will complete the experience of being trackside.

You can track the Tour's progress by visiting www.melbournecuptour.com.au.